Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones recently shared his candid thoughts on the quarterback situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers, specifically regarding Justin Fields. Despite the Steelers being undefeated in their first three games of the 2024 NFL season, with Fields filling in for the injured Russell Wilson, Jones expressed his belief that Wilson remains the superior choice for the team.
During an episode of “The Facility,” Jones acknowledged Fields’ performance, stating, “When you turn on the tape, the young fella’s playing really, really well.” However, he ultimately maintained that Fields should not be considered the definitive starting quarterback for Pittsburgh as long as Wilson is still on the roster. He added, “I do believe Russell Wilson is not going to be on this team for the whole year,” hinting at a potential trade that could reshape the Steelers’ quarterback situation.
Jones’ comments came on the heels of the Steelers’ 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, where Fields threw for 245 yards, completed 25 of 32 passes, and accounted for a touchdown, although he did throw one interception. This performance showcased Fields’ potential but didn’t sway Jones’s opinion on the need for Wilson’s presence on the team.
Interestingly, the Packers and Steelers find themselves in somewhat parallel circumstances this season. Green Bay has Malik Willis stepping in while Jordan Love recovers from a knee injury. However, the debate in Green Bay is far less contentious. When both quarterbacks are healthy, it is clear that Love is the team’s starter, even though the Packers remain undefeated in the two games Willis has played.
Jones’s perspective raises important questions about the long-term plans for both teams. While Fields has shown flashes of talent and potential during his time with the Steelers, the looming presence of Wilson could complicate his path to securing the starting role permanently. As the season progresses, both teams will need to navigate their quarterback dynamics carefully, balancing the need for immediate success with the development of younger talent.
Overall, the Steelers are benefiting from Fields’ ability to lead the offense in the short term, but if Wilson remains on the roster, the uncertainty surrounding his future will continue to shadow Fields’ performance. The situation emphasizes the delicate nature of quarterback transitions in the NFL, where one strong performance can still be overshadowed by the existing veteran presence. As Jones pointed out, until Wilson is traded, the competition for the starting job in Pittsburgh is far from settled.